Get Your Landscape Ready for Spring with These Essential Steps
As winter fades and the Chicago area warms up, your landscape needs proper spring maintenance to thrive. A spring clean-up, edging, trimming, and mulching not only refreshes your yard but also improves curb appeal and promotes healthy plant growth.
At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we specialize in professional landscape installation and seasonal maintenance to help homeowners and businesses keep their outdoor spaces looking pristine. Whether you're tackling spring yard work yourself or looking for a professional touch, here’s a step-by-step guide to a successful spring clean-up in Chicago.
1. Spring Clean-Up: Clearing the Debris
Chicago winters can leave behind fallen branches, dead leaves, and compacted soil, which can suffocate your landscape if not properly addressed.
Spring Clean-Up Checklist:
✅ Remove Leaves & Debris – Clear leaves, twigs, and winter debris from lawns, planting beds, and patios.
✅ Rake & Aerate the Lawn – Loosen compacted soil to improve water absorption and root growth. You can also Overseed if needed in Mid April.
✅ Cut Back Perennials & Ornamental Grasses – Trim dead stems to allow new growth.
✅ Inspect Plants & Shrubs – Check for winter damage, broken branches, or signs of disease.
INNovation Studio LANDSCAPE Tip: Don’t remove all leaf litter—a thin layer can benefit soil health, protect plants, and help pollinators!
2. Edging: Defining Clean Lines for a Polished Look
Edging your garden beds and lawn enhances your landscape by creating a sharp, defined border that improves aesthetics and prevents mulch from spilling into the grass.
How to Properly Edge Your Landscape:
✅ Mark Your Edges – Use a hose or string to outline where you want crisp edges. you can also spray out the bed line.
✅ Use an Edger or Spade – Cut along the border with a half-moon edger or spade for precision.
✅ Remove Excess Soil – Keep edges clean and sloped slightly away from flower beds.
✅ Maintain Edges Regularly – A quick re-cut every few months keeps the look fresh and grass out of your beds throughout the season.
Best Edging Materials for Chicago Landscapes:
✔️ Natural bed edges (most eco-friendly)
✔️ Stone or brick borders (long-lasting & stylish)
3. Trimming & Pruning: Shaping Plants for Health & Growth
Early spring is the best time to prune shrubs, hedges, and trees before new growth emerges. Proper trimming prevents overgrowth, improves air circulation, and enhances plant shape.
Trimming & Pruning Tips for a Healthy Landscape:
✅ Prune Dead or Damaged Branches – Chicago’s harsh winters can leave branches weak or broken. Remove them for plant health.
✅ Shape Shrubs & Hedges – Trim for aesthetic appeal and balanced growth.
✅ Avoid Heavy Pruning on Spring-Flowering Shrubs – Lilacs, forsythia, and magnolias should be pruned after blooming, not in early spring.
✅ Cut Perennials Back – Remove old stems from hostas, daylilies, and grasses to make way for fresh growth.
Pro Tip: Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to prevent plant diseases!
4. Mulching: The Finishing Touch for a Healthy Landscape
Mulching is one of the most important steps in a spring landscape refresh. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds—making it a key practice for sustainable landscaping in the Chicago Climate.
How to Apply Mulch Like a Pro:
✅ Choose the Right Mulch – Opt for Premium Hardwood Mulch, or compost to enrich soil health and Reduce WEEDS!
✅ Apply a 2-3 Inch Layer – Too little mulch won’t retain moisture, while too much can suffocate plant roots.
✅ Keep Mulch Away from Stems & Trunks – Avoid piling mulch against trees and plants to prevent rot and pest issues.
✅ Refresh Mulch Mid-Season – Optional - Replenish faded mulch in summer to maintain a fresh look.
Best Mulching Materials for Chicago Landscapes:
✔️ Shredded Premium Hardwood Mulch (Most popular, eco-friendly)
✔️ Pine Bark Mulch (Great for acid-loving plants like azaleas)
✔️ Compost Mulch (Improves soil fertility)
Why Hire a Professional for Spring Landscape Maintenance?
While DIY spring clean-ups can be rewarding, hiring INNovation Studio LANDSCAPE ensures the best results without the heavy lifting.
At INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE, we specialize in landscape installation and maintenance, using eco-friendly techniques to enhance your property’s curb appeal and long-term health. Our expert team ensures:
🌿 Precision in edging & trimming
🌿 Proper pruning for plant longevity
🌿 Sustainable mulching for soil health
🌿 A hassle-free, beautifully maintained landscape
Ready to give your yard a professional spring refresh? Contact INNovation STUDIO LANDSCAPE today for a consultation and let us help you create a thriving, well-maintained outdoor space!
📞 Call us at 630-800-0501
📧 Email us at design@innstudiollc.com
🌍 Visit innlandscape.com